Tyrannical
Exercising power in a cruel, unjust, and arbitrary way; like a tyrant.
adjectiveTyrannical
Exercising power in a cruel, unjust, and arbitrary way; like a tyrant.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a ruler who watches every move, demands total obedience, and punishes the slightest hint of disobedience—guards stand at every door, and dissent is swiftly crushed.
Sounds Like
tuh-RAN-uh-kuhl
Looks Like
Looks like 'tyrant' and 'tyranny'—shares the same root and idea of oppressive rule.
Remember This
Tyranny, Tyrant, and Tyrannical all share the same root and concept of oppressive power; the word often relates to governments or leaders, not just personal behavior.
Other Forms
Connect With
tyrant, tyranny, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, oppressive
Note
Use tyrannical to describe systems, regimes, or leaders characterized by oppressive, arbitrary rule. Do not confuse with merely strict or harsh rules; it implies cruelty and oppression. The adverb form is tyrannically.